Dave Brat is a scaredy cat

Dave Brat represents the 7th district of Virginia in the U.S. House of Representatives. The 7th district is made of up of parts of Amelia, Chesterfield, Culpeper, Goochland, Henrico, Louisa, Nottaway, Orange, Powhatan and Spotsylvania counties. Louisa County cast about five percent of the total votes for him in the last election of 2016.

Though Albemarle County is not within his district, many of us shop there and spend time there. We regard the city of Charlottesville and Albemarle County as friendly and safe places. Several constituents have contacted Mr. Brat with concerns regarding the planned appearance of a hate group in Charlottesville this weekend.

Rather than using his office to denounce the spread of hate speech and divisiveness among Americans, he instead defended the group’s right to free speech. Does this mean that he agrees with the hate speech? It is unclear. It is worth noting that hate speech is not protected as free speech.

He stated that members of Congress cannot discriminate against anyone and yet he himself refuses to meet with any constituents who disagree with him. Despite running on a campaign promise of being the most accessible member of Congress, he refuses to hold town hall meetings because the majority of participants disagree with him.

Finally, in his response to concerned constituents he further stated “As a devout Christian, I believe we must love one another and treat others with respect.” Hate groups are certainly not respectful. So which is it Dave? Are you living your Christian values, or are you afraid to alienate any voters who may hold the same hateful views as those coming to Charlottesville this weekend?

Aleta Strickland

Editor’s note: this letter originally appeared in the August 10th edition of the Central Virginian, and has been reposted with the author’s permission, and is only available online to paying subscribers.